You’re about to embark on an exciting journey to build a fast and agile FPV drone without breaking the bank. In this tutorial, Hamudi from Bilu Media will guide you through creating a freestyle 5-inch drone that can soar at impressive speeds of up to 180 km/h, all for around $220. This guide is packed with detailed, step-by-step instructions, covering everything from selecting the best budget-friendly components to assembling them with precision.
Throughout the build process, you’ll discover the secrets behind choosing the right flight controller, motors, and stack, as well as tips for ensuring a robust and sleek design. With components like the TBS Source 1 V5 frame and SpeedyBee 2207 motors, you’ll have a drone that’s not only fast but also versatile and stylish. Plus, you’ll pick up valuable skills such as mounting an ESC, configuring electronics with BlueJ firmware, and customizing settings in BetaFlight. Get ready to capture amazing aerial footage or enjoy thrilling freestyle flights with your very own custom-built drone!
I’m thrilled to guide you through building a Freestyle budget drone that reaches speeds of 180km/h—amazing!
This drone has significantly exceeded expectations as a budget build, costing around $220 and performing exceptionally well. I’ll detail the parts used and suggest alternatives to give you more choices:
Flight controller and ESC stack:
SpeedyBee F405 & 50A ESC V4: Bit.ly
Amazon: Amazon
SpeedyBee F405 & 50A ESC V3: Bit.ly
Amazon: Amazon
AliExpress (Pick your version): AliExpress
2207 motors:
Amaxino motors: Bit.ly
Xing Motors: Bit.ly
Xing2 Motors: AliExpress
SpeedyBee 2306: Bit.ly
SpeedyBee TX800:
AliExpress: AliExpress
ELRS receiver:
SpeedyBee: Bit.ly
RadioMaster RP1:
Amazon: Amazon
AliExpress: AliExpress
HappyModel: AliExpress
Camera:
RunCam Phoenix 2: Bit.ly
RunCam Phoenix 2 SE V2: AliExpress
SpeedyBee V3 F7 Flight Controller Stack:
Amazon: Amazon
AliExpress: AliExpress
DJI O3:
Amazon: Amazon
AliExpress: AliExpress
VIFLY Finder V2:
Amazon: Amazon
AliExpress: AliExpress
Tattu R-Line Version 3.0 1400mAh:
Amazon: Amazon
AliExpress: AliExpress
CNHL 1500:
Banggood: Banggood
AliExpress: AliExpress
BEST FPV TOOLS:
MINIWARE TS101:
AMAZON: Amazon
Banggood: AliExpress
Solder:
AMAZON: Amazon
Banggood: Banggood
AliExpress: AliExpress
Flux:
AMAZON: Amazon
AliExpress: AliExpress
MINIWARE ES15:
AMAZON: Amazon
AliExpress: AliExpress
Helping Hands:
AMAZON: Amazon
AliExpress: AliExpress
Weller Soldering mat: Amazon
HOTA D6 Pro Balance Charger: Amazon
VIFLY Smoke Stopper: Amazon
Precision Tweezers Set: Amazon
Wagner Heat Gun: Amazon
RADIOMASTER Tx16S II MAX:
AMAZON: Amazon
AliExpress: AliExpress
RADIOMASTER Boxer:
Amazon: Amazon
AliExpress: AliExpress
Banggood: Banggood
These links are affiliate links, and you support me with a small commission. Thanks!
Choosing the Right Frame
Building your own budget freestyle FPV drone is an exciting adventure, especially when you can achieve impressive speeds up to 180 km/h without breaking the bank. The first step in this journey involves selecting the right frame for your drone.
Overview of the TBS Source 1 V5
The TBS Source 1 V5 frame is a popular choice amongst drone enthusiasts and for good reason. Known for its budget-friendly price tag, this frame is versatile enough to handle freestyle flying and other demanding maneuvers. The frame doesn’t come with TPU parts, so customizing it to your needs can be a fun project. However, even in its stock form, it offers robust durability and can withstand the rigors of high-speed flying, providing an excellent foundation for your build.
Benefits of a Budget-Friendly and Versatile Frame
Utilizing a budget-friendly frame like the TBS Source 1 V5 allows you to allocate more of your resources to other components that enhance performance, like motors and flight controllers. Versatility with such frames means they can accommodate different components, making them ideal for various builds and upgrades in the future. Plus, having a frame that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg makes it easier to experiment and learn without the fear of costly mistakes.
Selecting the Power System
The power system is the heartbeat of your FPV drone, dictating how fast it can go and how responsive it will be.
Introduction to 2207 Motors by SpeedyBee
The SpeedyBee 2207 motors are an excellent choice for a high-performance build like this. These motors are known for their efficiency and power delivery, capable of pushing your drone to exhilarating speeds. They are designed to handle high RPMs, thus offering the thrust you need for freestyle flying. Plus, their aesthetic appeal adds to the overall look of your drone.
Understanding Motor KV Ratings and Their Impact on Speed
Motor KV rating is a critical factor when building your drone as it determines the RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) per volt applied. Higher KV motors like the 1950 KV SpeedyBee are suited for high-speed applications, as they rotate faster per volt than lower KV motors. However, it’s a balancing act because higher KV also means the motors consume more battery power and may become hotter. Understanding this balance is crucial for selecting the right motor for your flying style.
Battery Options: Comparing Tattu R-Line V3.0 1400mAh and CNHL 1500
Choosing the right battery complements your motor selection. The Tattu R-Line V3.0 1400mAh and the CNHL 1500 both offer good performance but cater to slightly different needs. The Tattu R-Line is known for its excellent discharge rate, providing ample power for aggressive flying. On the other hand, the CNHL 1500’s slightly higher capacity can offer longer flight times, which might be preferable for certain types of flying sessions.
Flight Controller and ESC Stack
The flight controller and ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) stack is the brains of your drone, managing everything from stability to speed regulation.
Features of the SpeedyBee V3 F7 Flight Controller Stack
The SpeedyBee V3 F7 flight controller stack stands out with its advanced features and a solid reputation in the FPV community. It includes a powerful F7 processor, which ensures your drone remains stable and responsive even during high-speed maneuvers. With Betaflight support, you can fine-tune the flight characteristics to match your flying style perfectly.
Selecting ESCs: 55 Amps Capabilities and Benefits
Selecting the right ESC is vital for handling the power your motors require. With 55 amps capabilities, the ESCs in our build can deliver ample current to the motors, ensuring they perform at their best. High-quality ESCs like this not only provide smooth and reliable power distribution but also include features like RPM filtering, which helps in smooth motor operation and enhances the overall flying experience.
VTX and Camera Setup
The video transmitter (VTX) and camera setup ensures you get a clear and reliable video feed from your drone, which is crucial for FPV flying.
Overview of the DJI O3 and VIFLY Finder V2
The DJI O3 is an excellent choice for those looking to achieve high-definition video quality. It offers stunning video quality and range, boosting confidence as you navigate through various flying environments. Alongside, the VIFLY Finder V2 functions as a reliable backup locator should you misplace your drone. With its loud buzzer, it ensures you can easily find your drone if it crashes out of sight.
Choosing an Analog Camera: Features of the Phoenix SE V2
For those who prefer or need analog video transmission, the Phoenix SE V2 camera is an excellent choice. It provides clear and vibrant images with low latency, crucial for fast, responsive flying. Its durability also means it can withstand the minor bumps and knocks that come with freestyle flying.
TX800 VTX Configuration
The TX800 VTX offers flexibility and ease of use. Its multiple power settings allow you to adjust the transmission power based on your needs, whether flying close range or pushing the limits at distant horizons. Configuring the VTX properly ensures robust connection quality, preventing video feed drops even in challenging environments.
Receiver and Transmitter Integration
A reliable communication system is key to maintaining control over your drone in any condition.
Details on ELRS RP1 Receiver by RadioMaster
The ELRS RP1 receiver by RadioMaster is a robust choice for FPV drones. It’s known for providing long-range capabilities and excellent signal strength, allowing you to fly with confidence even at extended ranges. Its compact size makes it easy to integrate into your build without adding unnecessary weight.
Transmitter Setup: Using RADIOMASTER Tx16S II MAX and Boxer
For control and precision, employing the RADIOMASTER Tx16S II MAX and Boxer offers versatility and reliability. These transmitters support a broad range of communication protocols and are highly customizable, allowing you to tailor controls to your specific preferences and needs, ensuring every flight is both intuitive and enjoyable.
Soldering and Assembly
The assembly and soldering phase of your drone build is where all components come together, and having the right tools makes all the difference.
Essential Tools: Solder, Flux, MINIWARE TS101, and Others
Properly assembling your FPV drone requires specific tools to ensure solid connections and a durable build. Tools like the MINIWARE TS101 soldering iron, high-quality solder, and flux are essential for creating strong, reliable connections. Additional tools like helping hands can stabilize components during assembly, making the process smoother and more efficient.
Guide to Frame Assembly: Arm and Screw Configurations
Building the TBS Source 1 V5 frame involves an understanding of its structure, primarily focusing on arm and screw configurations. The frame uses three types of screws – long, short, and medium – tailored for different parts of the frame. The arms are secured carefully, ensuring they’re aligned properly, which affects the drone’s stability and performance.
Mounting ESC, Motors, and Other Components
Mounting your ESC, motors, and other electronic components requires patience and precision. Each motor needs to be aligned with its respective ESC wires, cut to appropriate lengths to prevent slack, and soldered into place securely. Mounting the components correctly ensures efficient power delivery and minimizes vibrations.
Electronics Configuration
Configuring your electronics correctly is critical to ensure optimal performance and reliability during flights.
Installation of BlueJ Firmware for ESCs
Installing BlueJ firmware on your ESCs can enhance the RPM filtering capabilities and improve your drone’s performance. BlueJ is known for its robust filtering options, allowing for smoother flight experiences and giving you a broader range of tuning options.
BetaFlight Setup: Motor Direction and Protocol Adjustments
BetaFlight configuration is a crucial step that involves setting motor directions and adjusting communication protocols. This ensures your motors spin in the correct direction, matching the flight controller settings, and making protocol adjustments can help optimize performance and response times during flight.
Binding Radio Receiver and Assigning Flight Modes
Binding the ELRS RP1 receiver to your transmitter is a straightforward process, but critical for ensuring communication between the two devices. Once bound, assigning different flight modes allows for varying levels of control and maneuverability, offering flexibility for different flying environments and styles.
Safety Precautions
Safety during the build process and initial flights is paramount to prevent damage to your components and ensure personal safety.
Using a Smoke Stopper for Safety
A smoke stopper is an essential safety tool when powering your drone for the first time, as it prevents electrical shorts from damaging your components. It acts as a current limiter, providing peace of mind during those nerve-wracking first power-ups.
Ensuring Secure Electronic Connections
Ensuring all your electronic connections are secure is vital to prevent mid-flight failures. Double-check solder points, wire connections, and ensure all components are securely mounted. This attention to detail not only enhances reliability but also boosts your drone’s longevity.
Final Testing and Tuning
Fine-tuning your drone is where it all comes together, allowing you to achieve the best performance and smooth flight experience.
Setting Up VTX and Configuring OSD in BetaFlight
Configuring your VTX and setting up the on-screen display (OSD) in BetaFlight provides a wealth of information during flights, such as battery voltage and signal strength. Proper VTX setup ensures robust video feed, while OSD configuration helps you monitor your drone’s health and status in real-time effectively.
Initial Tuning and Adjustments for Optimal Performance
Initial tuning involves adjusting PID controllers and rates in BetaFlight, ensuring your drone responds sharply and smoothly to your inputs. Tuning for optimal performance may require trial and error, utilizing field tests to observe and adjust settings until the desired flight characteristics are achieved.
Conclusion
Building a budget freestyle FPV drone doesn’t mean compromising on performance or quality. With careful selection of components and a keen focus on assembly, you can craft a high-performing drone for just around $220. Throughout the process, every step, from selecting the TBS Source 1 V5 frame to final tuning in BetaFlight, ensures that your drone is both a thrill to fly and visually appealing.
This comprehensive guide empowers you to embark on your FPV journey, with the potential to further experiment and enhance your build in future endeavors. Remember, the world of FPV is vast and ripe for exploration, and with your new drone, you’re ready to take it on.